Noisy kids banned at South Australian caravan park

Murray Bridge Tourist Park has taken the unusual step of banning kids from staying at the small South Australian caravan park, while still catering to pet owners.

Now officially designated an Adults Only (18+) holiday park, the Murray Bridge Tourist Park operators are currently promoting the park which boasts a resort-style lap pool and a number of upmarket poolside villas as a "peaceful adults’ escape".

"Many parks have created their brand by catering specifically to families," the park explained in a recent Facebook post.

"We have always been different – a peaceful sanctuary our guests come to for quiet, privacy and downtime. By becoming adults only, we can protect that calm atmosphere and offer a consistently restful stay that our valued guests already love.

"Whether it’s for professionals, travellers or a weekend escape, you’ll enjoy more of what makes our park special: beautifully maintained surrounds, private spaces, and a relaxed environment where you can truly switch off."

As well as a range of self-contained units, the park also caters to RV travellers with 19 powered sites available. However, while motorhomes, caravans and camper trailers are accepted, tents, swags and rooftop tents are not.

A powered site in January is listed at $42 per night, with a minimum two night stay. Units range from $150 to $285 a night.

"This quiet adults-only area is perfect for those who enjoy a peaceful stay – so we keep it simple with no bikes, balls or scooters in the park," it says on the website.

"Your fur baby is welcome and normal rules apply."

The move has generated a number of comments on the park's Facebook page, mostly favourable, including this one from Troy Nicholas: "Well done. You guys no longer have to worry about kids riding around toilet blocks with no helmets and no care".

While popular overseas, adults-only caravan parks are yet to take off in Australia, with many parks working hard to attract younger families with kids, rather than ban them.

The Murray Bridge Tourist Park joins a select group of adults-only parks in Australia including the Black River Caravan Park in Townsville, which only accepts guests aged 40 and up, the Prime Tourist Park in Lakes Entrance and Waterfront Holiday Park along the Murray River, which is described as an "adult focused RV park".

Related: Do we need more adults-only caravan parks?

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